Paddle Exercise Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A paddle exercise apparatus includes a rod, a handle, and a weight member. The a rod includes first and second ends and is configured for grasping by a first hand of a user at a location between the first and second ends. The handle is positioned at the first end of the rod and is configured for grasping by a second hand of the user. The weight member is mounted to the rod and adjustably positioned between the first and second ends of the rod to alter a resistance of the paddle exercise apparatus when the user moves the paddle exercise apparatus through a paddling motion.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/803,682, entitled Paddle Exercise Apparatus, filed on Mar. 20, 2013; which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.

BACKGROUND

Rowing, kayaking, paddle boarding and canoeing have been proven to yield a number of health benefits as an active form of exercise. However, such water-based activities require a boat and a body of water in order to participate and enjoy the full benefits associated with the activity. A variety of overhead costs are involved with purchasing or renting a boat, equipment, gear and clothing in order to participate in such water-based activities.

It may be desirable to provide an exercise device that can simulate the movements or weight resistance athletes typically experience when actually rowing, kayaking, paddle boarding or canoeing in the outdoors.

One type of rowing machine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,104,933 issued to Hsueh-Sen Liao. In this reference, a rower is disclosed that includes a seat on a base, a stepper disposed on the other end of the base and an oar provided between the seat and the stepper, the stepper being linked to the oar by means of a linkage, a return device being disposed between the base and the linkage for the user to sit on the seat to practice rowing and doing the stretching of muscles of the extremities by the resistance from the stepper. Another type of rowing is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,862,484 issued to Calvin T. Coffey.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the disclosure, an paddle exercise apparatus includes a rod having first and second ends and being configured for grasping by a first hand of a user at a location between the first and second ends.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include a handle positioned at the first end of the rod and being configured for grasping by a second hand of the user.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include a weight member mounted to the rod and adjustably positioned between the first and second ends of the rod to alter a resistance of the paddle exercise apparatus when the user moves the paddle exercise apparatus through a paddling motion.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include the handle having an asymmetrical shape.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include the rod passing through the weight member.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include the weight member comprising a releasable locking assembly operable to fix a position of the weight member along a length of the rod.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include the releasable locking assembly comprising a twist locking assembly.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include the releasable locking assembly comprising a pivot locking assembly.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include an end cap positioned at the second end of the rod.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include the end cap comprising a cushioning material.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include the rod having a length of at least 5 ft between the first and second ends.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include the weight member having a weight of at least 3 lbs.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include the weight member having a weight in the range of about 5 lbs to about 7 lbs.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include a paddle exercise apparatus comprising an elongate rod and a weight member slidable along a length of the rod and operable to fix a position of the weight member a different locations along the length of the rod to vary a resistance to movement of the rod when the paddle exercise apparatus is used to simulate a paddling motion by a user.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include a handle positioned at an end of the rod.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include an end cap positioned at an end of the rod.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include the weight member comprising a body portion and a locking assembly, the locking assembly being operable to releasably fix an axial position of the weight member along the length of the rod.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include the locking assembly comprising a lever, and rotating the lever applies a clamping force to the rod to releasably connect the weight member to the rod.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include the locking assembly comprising mating tapered surfaces and an actuator, and rotating the actuator moves the tapered surfaces relative to each other to releasably connect the weight member to the rod.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include a method of exercising comprises providing a paddle exercise apparatus comprising a rod, a handle positioned at one end of the rod, and a weight member.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include releasably mounting the weight member to the rod at a first location along a length of the rod.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include grasping the handle with a first hand of a user, grasping the rod with a second hand of the user, and moving the paddle exercise apparatus through a paddling motion.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include releasably mounting the weight member to the rod at a second location along the length of the rod.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include grasping the handle with the first hand of a user, grasping the rod with the second hand of the user, and moving the paddle exercise apparatus through the paddling motion.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include providing different resistance with the weight member during the paddling motion when in the first and second positions.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include the weight member comprising a locking assembly, and releasably mounting the weight member to the rod includes operating the locking assembly to releasably secure the weight member to the rod.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include the locking assembly comprising an actuator, and operating the locking assembly includes rotating the actuator about a longitudinal axis of the rod.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include the locking assembly comprising an actuator, and operating the locking assembly includes pivoting the actuator about an axis arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rod.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present method and system and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present system and method and do not limit the scope thereof.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example paddle exercise apparatus being operated by user in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate top perspective views of the paddle exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the paddle exercise apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates an end view of the paddle exercise apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 illustrates an opposite end view of the paddle exercise apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the paddle exercise apparatus of FIG. 5 taken along cross-section indicator 7-7.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate perspective views of the paddle exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 with a weight member in different axial positions.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate perspective views of another example paddle exercise apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of the paddle exercise apparatus of FIG. 10 with a weight assembly in an unlocked position.

FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the paddle exercise apparatus of FIG. 10 with the weight assembly in a locked position.

FIG. 14 illustrates an end view of the paddle exercise apparatus of FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 illustrates an opposite end view of the paddle exercise apparatus of FIG. 10.

FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the paddle exercise apparatus of FIG. 14 taken along cross-section indicator 16-16.

FIG. 17 illustrates the cross-sectional view of FIG. 16 with the weight assembly in an unlocked position.

FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the paddle exercise apparatus of FIG. 16 taken along cross-section indicator 18-18.

FIG. 19 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the paddle exercise apparatus of FIG. 17 taken along cross-section indicator 19-19.

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate perspective views of the paddle exercise apparatus of FIG. 10 with the weight assembly in different axial positions.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The paddle exercise apparatus is configured for use as an exercise device that simulates a paddling motion used, for example, when paddling a canoe or paddle board, or may be used as a resistance element in paddle-based workouts. The paddle exercise apparatus includes an elongate rod with a handle at one end and a weight member positioned at a location along a length of the rod. The user may grasp the handle with one hand, grasp the rod with another hand, and then swing the paddle exercise apparatus through a swinging and rotation movement that simulates paddling a canoe or paddle board (e.g., a paddling motion).

The weight member may be adjustably positioned along the length of the rod. Positioning the weight member at various locations along the length of the rod alters resistance for the user during movement of the paddle exercise apparatus through the paddling motion. The weight member may include a locking mechanism that releasably fixes an axial position of the weight member at a desired location along the length of the rod.

The paddle exercise apparatus may further include an end cap positioned at an opposite end of the rod from the handle. The end cap may provide a position stop for the weight member to assure that the weight member does not inadvertently slide off of the rod. The end cap may have a construction and material composition that provides a cushioning effect if the end of the rod hits a ground surface or other object when moving the paddle exercise apparatus through the paddling motion. Additionally, the end cap construction may be a non-slip material configured to facilitate pivoting, dragging, or other movements that may be incorporated into a physical activity.

The handle may have an asymmetrical shape about at least one plane passing centrally through the handle. The handle may have contoured surfaces that provide improved ergonomics when grasping the handle with the user's hand.

The lock mechanism used for fixing the position of the weight member may have a quick release feature such as, for example, a twist lock mechanism or a lever assembly that provide a clamping force to the rod. In some embodiments, the lock mechanism may be operable with a single hand of the user.

The weight member may include a weight portion such as a cylindrical shaped object comprising a metal material, and an overmold that provides cushioning in the event the weight member hits the ground surface or an object proximity to the user during use. The overmold may also provide improved grasping of the weight assembly by the user. The weight member may also include bushings or other bearing features that provide a low friction interface with the rod to permit easier sliding of the weight member along the length of the rod when adjusting an axial position of the weight member.

While the illustrated embodiments of the paddle exercise apparatus include a handle on one end and an end cap at the opposite end, other embodiments may include only the weight member mounted to the rod without at least one of the handle and end cap also mounted to the rod.

Particularly, with reference to the figures, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example paddle exercise apparatus 10 in use by a user U. The user U has first and second hands H₁ and H₂. The first hand H₁ grasps the paddle exercise apparatus 10 at one end, and the second hand H₂ grasps the paddle exercise apparatus a location spaced between the ends. The user U then moves the paddle exercise apparatus 10 through a rotation or swinging motion that simulates paddling a canoe or paddle board or similar device (e.g., a paddling motion).

The paddle exercise apparatus 10 may have various lengths that correlate with the length of an actual paddle used for a given application. For example, a longer paddle exercise apparatus 10 may be used when simulating a paddle board application (e.g., wherein the user typically stands while paddling and is further from the water). In another example, the paddle exercise apparatus 10 has a shorter length to simulate a paddle used with a canoe (e.g., wherein the user sits down in the canoe and is positioned closer to the water).

The paddle exercise apparatus includes a rod 12, a handle 14, a weight assembly 16, and an end cap assembly 18. The handle 14 and end cap assembly 18 are positioned at opposite ends of the rod 12. The weight assembly 16 may be adjustably mounted to the rod 12. The weight assembly 16 may move axially along a length of the rod 12 and be releasably fixed at a desired axial location. Each axial position of the weight assembly 16 may provide a different resistance for the user U when moving the paddle exercise apparatus 10 through a paddling motion. Typically, the closer the weight assembly 16 is to the user's body the lower the resistance, and the further the weight assembly 16 from the user's body the greater the resistance. The weight assembly 16 may be positioned between the second hand H₂ and the end cap assembly 18. Alternatively, the weight assembly 16 may be positioned between the first and second hands H₁, H₂.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-9, and particularly the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7, the rod 12, handle 14, weight assembly 16, and end cap assembly 18 are described in further detail. The rod 12 includes first and second ends 20, 22 and a hollow interior 24. The rod 12 also has a length L₁ and an external diameter D₁.

The handle 14 includes a grip portion 30 and an insert portion 32 (see FIG. 7). The grip portion 30 includes a front surface 34 and a rear surface 36 (see FIG. 4). The insert portion 32 is inserted into the hollow interior 24 of the rod 12. The grip portion 30 may have an asymmetrical construction about a plane P, which extends laterally through the handle 14 (see FIGS. 4 and 6). The grip portion 30 may have contoured surfaces, protrusions and/or recesses that enhance easier grasping by the user and may provide improved ergonomics during use. The handle 14 may comprise materials and surface features that also provide improved grasping and comfort during use.

The handle 14 may be connected to the rod 12 using, for example, an interference fit between the insert portion 32 and the hollow interior 24. In other examples, fasteners, bonding agents (e.g., adhesives), and other connection features may be used to provide the desired connection. The handle 14 may be releasably mounted to the rod 12. The handle 14 may be replaceable with handles of different sizes, shapes, or other physical features to customize the paddle exercise apparatus 10 for various uses and users. The handle 14 may be removable to permit removal of the weight assembly 16 from the rod 12.

The weight assembly 16 includes a weight 40, an overmold 42, first, second and third slide bushings 44-46, and a locking assembly 48 (see FIG. 7). The weight 40 may include a rod aperture 50 sized to receive the rod 12, a tapered entrance 52, a bearing recess 54 sized to accommodate the first, second and third slide bushings 44-46, and a plurality of internal threads 56. The weight 40 may comprise a relatively dense material such as, for example, a metal material. The tapered entrance 52 may promote easier axial adjustment of the weight assembly 16 along the rod 12. The tapered entrance 52 may have a horn shape.

The overmold 42 may be connected to an exterior surface of the weight 40. The overmold 42 may comprise a protective or cushioning material that covers most, if not all, of the exposed surfaces of the weight 40 when the weight assembly 16 is mounted to the rod. The overmold 42 may comprise a polymer material such as urethane. The overmold 42 may be co-molded directly onto the weight 40. Alternatively, the overmold 42 may be separately formed and then secured to the weight 40 in a separate assembly step using, for example, an adhesive.

The first and second slide bushings 44, 45 may be positioned within the bearing recess 54 of the weight 40. The first and second slide bushings 44, 45 may provide a low-friction interface between the weight assembly 16 and the rod 12. The first and second slide bushings 44, 45 may be positioned end-to-end within the bearing recess 54. In some embodiments, the weight assembly 16 may be operable without using the bushings 44-46. For example, the weight 40 may be coated with a low friction material such as Teflon to reduce friction at an interface between the weight 40 and rod 12.

The locking assembly 48 may include a wedge bushing 58 and a lock collar 60. The wedge bushing 58 may include a tapered end surface 62. The wedge bushing 58 may be positioned within the bearing recess 54 end-to-end with the second slide bushing 45.

The lock collar 60 may include a plurality of external threads 64, a locking member 66 having a tapered lock surface 68, and a bushing recess 70. A set of external threads 64 may be formed on the locking member 66. The threads 64 may be arranged to threadably engage the threads 56 formed on a radially inward facing surface of the weight 40. The meeting interface between the threads 56 and the threads 64 may provide mounting of the lock collar 60 to the weight 40 and provide relative rotational adjustment therebetween. The bushing recess 70 may be sized to receive the third slide bushing 46.

The locking assembly 48 may rotate about a longitudinal axis of the rod 12. The locking assembly 48 may provide a twist lock connection of the weight assembly 16 to the rod 12. Rotating the lock collar 60 in a first direction moves the tapered lock surface 68 toward the tapered end surface 62 of the wedge bushing 58 to create a radially inward directed force onto the wedge bushing 58. This radially inward directed force presses the wedge bushing 58 onto the outer surface of the rod 12 to fix an axial position of the weight assembly 16 relative to the rod 12. Rotating the lock collar 60 in an opposite direction moves the tapered lock surface 68 away from the tapered end surface 62 to relieve the radially inward directed force. By relieving the radially inward directed force, the wedge bushing 58 releases from the outer surface of the rod 12 to permit axial and rotational movement of the weight assembly 16 relative to the rod 12.

The locking assembly 48 may be operated by holding the weight 40 and overmold 42 with one hand of the user while rotating the lock collar 60 relative to the weight 40 and overmold 42. The locking assembly 48 may operate without having to apply an axially directed force to the weight 40, overmold 42, or lock collar 60 as the lock collar 60 is rotated with the user's hand.

The end cap assembly 18 is shown in FIG. 7 having an end cap 80, a fastener assembly 82, and a spider nut 84. The end cap 80 includes a recess 86 sized to receive the second end 22 of the rod 12. The end cap 80 may have a shape and material composition that limits damage to objects inadvertently hit by the end cap 80 during use of the paddle exercise apparatus 10. The end cap 80 may comprise, for example, a urethane or foam material. The end cap 80 may have a contoured surface that provides a blunt contact surface for the end of the paddle exercise apparatus 10.

The fastener assembly 82 may include a fastener having a head 88 and a threaded shank 90. The fastener assembly 82 may also include a bracket 92. The bracket 92 may be embedded within the end cap 80 to provide improved connection between the end cap 80 and the fastener assembly 82. The threaded shank 90 extends into the hollow interior 24 of the rod 12 to connect with the spider nut 84. The spider nut 84 may include an aperture 94. The threaded shank 90 may threadably mate with threads of aperture 94 to provide a releasable connection of the end cap 80 to the rod 12. The end cap 80 may be detachable from the rod to permit removal of the weight assembly 16 from the rod 12. The spider nut 84 may have be compression fitted within the hollow interior 24 of rod 12.

Other types of connection assemblies may be used to secure end cap 80 to the rod 12. For example, a fastener (e.g., a set screw) may extend through an exterior surface of the end cap 80 and into contact an outer surface of the rod 12 to provide a connection therebetween. In other examples, a permanent connection may be formed using, for example, an adhesive between the end cap 80 and the rod 12.

The end cap 80 may have a tapered surface facing axially toward the weight assembly 16. The tapered surface may mate with the tapered entrance 52 of the weight 40 to provide a mating interface between the end cap assembly 18 and the weight assembly 16.

FIGS. 3, 8 and 9 show the weight assembly 16 in various axial positions along the length of rod 12. In each of the positions shown in FIGS. 3, 8 and 9, the locking assembly 48 may be operated to fix the axial position of the weight assembly 16 relative to rod 12. The operator may also operate the locking assembly 48 to release the weight assembly 16 to permit sliding of the weight assembly 16 along the length of the rod 12 to another axial position.

FIGS. 10-21 show another example paddle exercise apparatus 100. The paddle exercise apparatus 100 includes a rod 112, a handle 114, and an end cap assembly 118, which have the same or similar construction and function as the rod 12, handle 14 and end cap assembly 18, respectively, described above with reference to FIGS. 1-9. The weight assembly 116 may have a different locking mechanism as compared to the weight assembly 16 described above. The locking mechanism of the weight assembly 116 may utilize a lever to create a clamping force that secures the weight assembly 116 to the rod 112. Other features of the weight assembly 116 besides the locking mechanism may be the same or similar to the features of weight assembly 16.

The rod 112 includes first and second ends 120, 122. The weight assembly 116 may be adjustably positioned along a length of the rod 112 between the first and second ends 120, 122. The weight assembly 116 may include a weight 140, an overmold 142, first, second and third slide bushings 144-146, and a locking assembly 148 (see FIGS. 16-17). The weight 140 may include a rod aperture 150 in which the rod 112 extends. The weight 140 may also include a tapered entrance 152 and a bearing recess 154 sized to accommodate the first and second slide bushings 144, 145. The overmold 142 may extend around portions of the weight 140 which are exposed to the user when the weight assembly 116 is mounted to the rod 112.

The locking assembly 148 may include an actuator handle 158 and a lock collar 160. The actuator handle 158 may include an axle bore 164 at an end thereof that is connected to the lock collar 160. The actuator handle 158 may also include head and nut seats 163, 165.

The lock collar 160 includes handle supports 166A,B and an axle bore 168 (see FIGS. 18 and 19). A connector screw 170 may secure the lock collar 160 to the weight 140 as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. The lock collar 160 may have a slot or gap G₁ as shown in FIG. 18. Operating the actuator handle 158 between a locked position (see FIGS. 16 and 18) and an unlocked position (see FIGS. 17 and 19) moves the handle supports 166A,B toward each other to reduce the size of gap G₁ to a smaller sized gap G₂ (see FIG. 19). Reducing the size of the gap G₁ provides application of a radially inward directed force to the rod 112.

A fastener 172 may extend through the axle bore 164 of the actuator handle 158 and through the axle bore 168 of the lock collar 160 to secure the actuator handle 158 to the lock collar 160 (see FIGS. 18 and 19). The fastener 172 includes a head 176 and a threaded shank 178. The head 176 is positioned within the head seat 163. A nut 174 is positioned within the nut seat 165. The threaded shank 178 is threadably engaged with internal threads of the nut 174.

The head 176 is rotatably fixed in the actuator handle 158 adjacent to the handle support 166A, and the nut 174 is rotatably fixed in the actuator handle 158 adjacent to the handle support 166B. Rotating the actuator handle 158 relative to the lock collar 160 advances the fastener 172 within the nut 174 thereby applying an axially directed force that moves the handle supports 166A,B toward each other. Moving the handle supports 166A,B toward each other applies a radially inward directed clamping force from the lock collar 160 onto an outer surface of the rod 112 (e.g., via the third slide bushing 146). This radially inward directed clamping force fixes a position of the weight assembly 116 relative to the rod 112. Moving the actuator handle 158 into the release position shown in FIGS. 17 and 19 releases the clamping force to permit axial and rotational movement of the weight assembly 116 relative to the rod 112.

The locking assembly 148 may be operated using a single hand of the user. The locking assembly 148 may be referred to as a quick release mechanism. The locking assembly 148 may be referred to as a pivot locking assembly or mechanism.

FIGS. 11, 20 and 21 show the weight assembly 116 at different axial positions along the length of the rod 112. FIG. 11 shows the weight assembly 116 positioned against the end cap assembly 118 at the second end 122 of rod 112. The end cap assembly 118 may act as an axial position stop for the weight assembly 116 at he second end 122. The handle 114 may act as an axial position stop at the opposite first end 120 of the rod 112. The weight assembly 116 may be positioned at any axial and rotational position relative to rod 112.

Other types of weight assemblies and locking mechanisms may be used in combination with or in place of the locking assemblies 48, 148. Other example lock mechanisms may include, for example, at least one cam surface or a fastener such as a set screw.

The weight assemblies disclosed herein may have a relatively elongate, low profile shape. Further, the outer periphery of the weight assemblies shown in the figures may have a generally circular cross-sectional shape with a cylindrical construction. FIG. 4 shows the weight assembly 16 having a maximum outer diameter D₂ and a length L₂. The diameter D₂ may be in the range of, for example, about 2 inches to about 8 inches, and more particularly in the range of about 3 inches to about 4 inches. The length L₂ may be in the range of about 4 inches to about 12 inches, and more particularly in the range of about 6 inches to about 8 inches. The weight assembly 16 may have a weight in the range of about 2 lb to about 10 lbs, and more particularly in the range of about 4 lb to about 6 lb.

The length L₁ of the rod 12 (see FIG. 7) may be in the range of about 3 ft. to about 8 ft., and more particularly in the range of about 5 ft to about 6 ft. The diameter D₁ may be in the range of about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches, and more particularly in the range of about 1 inches to about 2 inches. The rod 12 may have a weight in the range of about 1 lb to about 3 lbs.

Many other shapes, sizes and configurations are possible for the weight assembly. For example, various cross-sectional shapes such as triangular or hexagonal shapes, or a generally spherical shape may be used. Further, the weight assembly may be modified for connection to rods having different cross-sectional shapes than the circular cross-sectional shapes shown in the Figures. Other cross-sectional shapes for the rod may include, for example, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, and oval shapes. In still further embodiments, the weight assembly may have a construction that is asymmetrical about a plane extending through and arranged parallel with the longitudinal axis of the rod. Other embodiments may include weight assemblies in which projections or wing shaped features extend therefrom to simulate the shape of a paddle.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The paddle exercise apparatuses disclosed herein provide an exercise device that simulates, at least in part, the resistance experienced by a user when paddling a canoe, paddle board, or similar device. An example paddle exercise apparatus includes a weight member, which is adjustable along a length of the apparatus to vary a resistance provided during the paddling motion. The paddle exercise apparatus may also include a handle at one end for grasping by a first hand of a user. A second hand of the user may grasp a rod portion of the apparatus at a location between the handle and an opposing end of the apparatus. The second hand of the user may grasp the apparatus at a location between the weight member and the handle. Alternatively, the second hand of the user may grasp the apparatus at a location spaced distal (e.g., a direction away from the user) of the weight member.

In general, the structure of the present disclosure provides a paddle exercise apparatus that may be customized to provide different amounts of resistance when using the apparatus to simulate a paddling motion. The customization may include moving the weight member to different locations along a length of the apparatus. The apparatus may include a rod to which the weight member is mounted and movable along to provide the customization of resistance. The weight member may be releasably fixed at various locations along the length of the rod. The weight member may include a locking assembly, which is operable to releasably fix a position of the weight member relative to the rod.

The locking assembly may have a twist lock mechanism, which twists about a longitudinal axis of the rod to provide a locking function. The locking assembly may include mating tapered surfaces, which when moved axially relative to each other as a result of twisting a portion of the twist lock mechanism create a radially inward directed force to an outer surface of the rod.

Alternatively, the lock mechanism may include a lever that operates to impose a clamping function. In one arrangement, the lever pivots about an axis arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod, and pivoting the lever creates a clamping force around an outer surface of the rod.

Moving the weight member along the rod may alter a center of gravity for the apparatus. Moving the weight member closer to the handle shifts the center of gravity closer to the user, making it easier to move the apparatus through the paddling motion. Moving the weight member away from the handle shifts the center of gravity further away from the user, making it more difficult to move the apparatus through the paddling motion.

The paddle exercise apparatus may also include an end cap positioned at an end of the rod opposite the handle. The end cap may provide a cushioning function or at least a blunt surface at that end of the rod. The end cap may also function as a position stop for the weight member to limit inadvertent removal of the weight member from the rod. The handle may function as a position stop for the weight member at the opposite end of the rod.

A method of assembling the example paddle exercise apparatuses disclosed herein may include positioning the weight member on the rod, mounting the handle to a first end of the rod, and mounting the end cap to a second end of the rod. The handle and end cap may help maintain the weight member mounted to the rod. The method may further include sliding the weight member along the rod to a desired axial position, and then operating a locking mechanism into a locked position to fix the axial position of the weight member relative to the rod. The locking mechanism may be operated into a released position to permit sliding movement of the weight member relative to the rod to position the weight member at a different axial position.

A method of simulating a paddling motion using the paddle exercise apparatuses disclosed herein may include fixing the weight member at a first location along a length of the rod, grasping the handle with a first hand of a user, grasping the rod with a second hand of the user, and moving the paddle through a paddling motion. The method further includes moving the weight member to a different location along the length of the rod to a second location, fixing the weight member at the second location, grasping the handle with a first hand of a user, grasping the rod with a second hand of the user, and moving the paddle through the paddling motion, wherein the apparatus has a different resistance to motion when the weight member is in the second position as compared to when the weight member is in the second position. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An paddle exercise apparatus, comprising: a rod having first and second ends and being configured for grasping by a first hand of a user at a location between the first and second ends; a handle positioned at the first end of the rod and being configured for grasping by a second hand of the user; a weight member mounted to the rod and adjustably positioned between the first and second ends of the rod to alter a resistance of the paddle exercise apparatus when the user moves the paddle exercise apparatus through a paddling motion.
 2. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle has an asymmetrical shape.
 3. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rod passes through the weight member.
 4. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the weight member comprises a releasable locking assembly operable to fix a position of the weight member along a length of the rod.
 5. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 4, wherein the releasable locking assembly comprises a twist locking assembly.
 6. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 4, wherein the releasable locking assembly comprises a pivot locking assembly.
 7. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an end cap positioned at the second end of the rod.
 8. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 7, wherein the end cap comprises a cushioning material.
 9. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rod has a length of at least 5 ft between the first and second ends.
 10. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the weight member has a weight of at least 3 lbs.
 11. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 10, wherein the weight member has a weight in the range of about 5 lbs to about 7 lbs.
 12. An paddle exercise apparatus comprising: an elongate rod; a weight member slidable along a length of the rod and operable to fix a position of the weight member a different locations along the length of the rod to vary a resistance to movement of the rod when the paddle exercise apparatus is used to simulate a paddling motion by a user.
 13. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a handle positioned at an end of the rod.
 14. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 12, further comprising an end cap positioned at an end of the rod.
 15. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 12, wherein the weight member includes a body portion and a locking assembly, the locking assembly being operable to releasably fix an axial position of the weight member along the length of the rod.
 16. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 15, wherein the locking assembly comprises a lever, and rotating the lever applies a clamping force to the rod to releasably connect the weight member to the rod.
 17. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 15, wherein the locking assembly comprises mating tapered surfaces and an actuator, and rotating the actuator moves the tapered surfaces relative to each other to releasably connect the weight member to the rod.
 18. A method of exercising, comprising: providing a paddle exercise apparatus comprising a rod, a handle positioned at one end of the rod, and a weight member; releasably mounting the weight member to the rod at a first location along a length of the rod; grasping the handle with a first hand of a user, grasping the rod with a second hand of the user, and moving the paddle exercise apparatus through a paddling motion; releasably mounting the weight member to the rod at a second location along the length of the rod; grasping the handle with the first hand of a user, grasping the rod with the second hand of the user, and moving the paddle exercise apparatus through the paddling motion; wherein the weight member provides different resistance during the paddling motion when in the first and second locations.
 19. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 18, wherein the weight member comprising a locking assembly, and releasably mounting the weight member to the rod includes operating the locking assembly to releasably secure the weight member to the rod.
 20. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 19, wherein the locking assembly comprises an actuator, and operating the locking assembly includes rotating the actuator about a longitudinal axis of the rod.
 21. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 19, wherein the locking assembly comprises an actuator, and operating the locking assembly includes pivoting the actuator about an axis arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rod. 